Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister of Japan Sanae Takaichi pose for photographs after signing a joint declaration on Economic Security Corporation at Parliament in Canberra, Monday, May 4, 2026. Lukas Koch/AAP

View from The Hill: Albanese tried to be ‘hip’, only to let diplomacy slip

A diplomatic gesture from Japan was meant to strengthen ties, but Anthony Albanese’s joke has instead raised questions about taste, respect and political judgement.
A graphic created by The Conversation featuring Victorian Premier Ben Caroll (left) Victorian Opposition Leader Jess Wilson (right) and Senator Pauline Hanson. Using photos from AAP photographers Joel Carrett and Lukas Coch

Grattan on Friday: The battle for Victoria will send important signals to federal players

Victoria’s election on November 28 has taken on a drama and significance we wouldn’t have anticipated a year ago and will be closely watched by federal players.
One Nation leader Senator Pauline Hanson (left) with Warren Pickering (right) announces the party’s leading Legislative Council candidates for the Victorian state election at the Savoy Hotel in Melbourne, Monday, August 3, 2026. Jay Kogler/AAP

View from The Hill: Hanson announces One Nation Victorian leader, bans major media outlets

Pauline Hanson formally announced a suite of candidates for the Victorian election, including her lead candidate Warren Pickering.
Five-time Tour de France winner Tadej Pogačar called for a date change after record-breaking heat this year. The women’s race begins late Saturday Australian time. Bernard Papon/AP/Pool L’Equipe

Politics with Michelle Grattan: Bridie O'Donnell on the ‘precarious business’ of the Tour de France

The ex-champion cyclist turned commentator explains why heat is a growing risk to the annual summer event, and points to some Australian women to watch this weekend.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Member for Melbourne Sarah Witty tour the Royal Children’s Hospital and meet with graduate nurses supported through the Commonwealth Prac Payment at Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Joel Carrett/AAP

Albanese will announce extension of ‘Paid Prac’ at Labor national conference

Anthony Albanese will announce on Thursday the extension of the Prac Payment system in a speech given to Labor’s national conference
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and federal member for Parramatta Andrew Charlton, arrive to speak to media at Parramatta Square, in Sydney, Wednesday, January 22, 2025. Dan Himbrechts/AAP

View from The Hill: Labor’s Andrew Charlton surfs the AI wave

Charlton brings stellar economic and business credentials. But the emerging leader has his sceptics.

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